Electromagnetic bell-ringing mechanism.



No. 723,048. PATENTED MAR. 17, .1903.

J. J. SHEAHAN. ELECTROMAGNETIC BELL RINGING MECHANISM.

APPLIOATIOE' FILED NOV. 3, 1899. N0 MODEL. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

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PATENTED MAR. 17,1903.

J. J. SHEAHAN.

' ELECTROMAGNETIC BELL RINGING MECHANISM.

APPLIOATION FILED H0713, 1899.

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THE Nrmms PETERS PATENTED MAR. 17, 1903.

J. J. SHEAHAN. ELEOTROMAGNETIG'BBLL RINGING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 3. 1899.

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. J. J. SHEAHAN.

ELEQTROMAGNETIO BELL RINGING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 3, 1899.

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mus anus co 1 The difficulties hitherto existing in bell- 45 is the main object of my invention) that I FFioE.

ATENT JOHN J. SHEAl-IAN, on

BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

L-RING ING MECHANISM.

SPECIFICATION formingpartof Letters was No- 723,04s, dated March 17, 1903.

Applieationfiled llovemher3,1 899. fierialllo- 735,678. (No model) To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN J. SHEAHAN, a citizen of the United States, residingat the'city of Bufi'alo, in the county of Erie and State of 5 New York,have invented certain newand useful Improvements in Electromagnetic-Bell- Ringing Mechanism, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

My invention relates to a" mechanism for IO ringing bells, and more particularly to an electromagnetic system for ringing bells.

My invention has for its object the adaptation of electricity as a motive power for ringing bells.

ringing may be briefly mentioned in order that the advantages of an electromagnetic system may be the better understood. In the system where a direct mechanical system has been employed it has been foundthat where the bells are of large size or oflargeinumber any mechanism hitherto devised has been inadequate to makethe ringing of the bells successful, for it isto be observed that in ordinary cases it is not possible to employ a skilled mechanic solely for the purpose of maintaining such an elaborate mechanism in working order. Various other expedients have been attempted, among which may be noted the various pneumatic systems. From the nature of the situation and the conditions of climate pneumatic systems are invariably liable to inoperativeness or break Ydowp, due 'to moisture or cold or similar, causes,- and have been found inadequate and unreliable, and it may be observed that in the electric or electromagnetic systems heretofore employed it has been impossible to utilize electric power so as to employ a our- 40 rent of sufficient power to perform-the act-of striking the bell and at the same time control and utilize the power by the delicate'and rapid means necessary to the art of musical production. It therefore follows (and herein am able to employ a current of sufficient power to successively ring the bells and at the same time so govern and control the same with such delicacy and rapidity that the delicate technique of musical production may find its fullekpression through the power employed.

and in dotted lines showing its first position when going into operation. Fig. 3 is a top plan-view of the relay. Fig. 4 is a detail section, taken on the dotted line 0000 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an end elevation of my relay, showing one of the armatures and apivot-arm of my relay-magnet. Fig. 6 is a detail elevation, partly in cross-sectiomof the parts shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a plan view of my circhit-breaker. Fig. 8 is an elevation, partly in. section, of my multiple solenoid. Fig. 9 .is a top plan view of the same.

. Referring now to Fig. 1, I will describe first in general terms the principal parts of myinvention-and their operation. A represents a primary battery or any convenient source of currentof proper strength, which should be of snfficient power to actuate the relay-mag net, as hereinafter more fully described. I

have found in practice that a battery of from four to six cells of the ordinary type is sufficient to actuate this magnet. Leading from the batteryA is the wire a, which is connected to a circuit-closer B. It will at once be understood that this circuit-closer B may be operated directly by the hand of the operator substantially the same as the key of an organ is operated, and it will also be understood that it may be actuated by any mechanical,

It will also be understood thatwhile I have shown a simple construction in contrivance.

diagram I may employ in connection therewith for the purpose of establishing a sufficient interval of contact to insure the operation of the coils of the relay-magnet any.

of the well known mechanisms, such as a dash-pot construction or other mechanical device. The actuating-current which operates IOO the solenoid is opened and closed by the relay-magnet, hereinafter more fully described, which consists of magnets O and D, with armatures C and D. These actuate the arm N. Secured to the armature D are switcharmsf and 11. These are knife-edged and engage with contact-springs connected with the binding-posts cg and hj upon the actuatingcircuit. a is a continuation of the circuit a when the circuit is closed by the circuit-closer B, which connects to a binding-post b of the relay. From thisbinding-post the circuit passes through the coils O and D of the relaymagnet, which are clearly shown in Figs. 2,

3, and 4. From the magnet-coils D the current passes to the binding-post c and thence passes out through the circuit a to a metallic arm carrying the armature E of the circuitbreaker. Passing through the arm of the circuit-breaker, it passes through the circuit a and from thence to the primary battery A. When this circuit passing through 0t by the closing of the contact B is in operation, the coils (l and D are energized and the armatures C and D are thrown into contact with the cores of their respective coils, closing the switch. The secondary or actuating current, which rings the bell, enters at d. The switch operated by the relay-magnet being closed, the current passes from the binding-post e through the switch-armfto the binding-postg and from thence through the circuit 01. The circuit at connects directly with the coils of the solenoid F and from thence returns by the circuit (1 to the binding -post it and through the switch-arm i to the bindingpost j and thence outward through the circuit d. The coils of the solenoid may be connected up in any desired form so long as they are all in the path of the actuating-circuit. When the secondary or actuating circuit is closed from d to d, the coils of the solenoid F are energized and the cores are drawn down adjacent to the armature of the coils G, but adjusted and insulated from actual contact with the armature. The cores being properly united at their upper ends connect with a rod H, which connects with and operates the hell or bell-hammer. Thus it will be seen how the relay-magnet is thrown into action and how the secondary or actuating current produces the stroke of the bell.

I will now explain the important and delicate mechanism by which the primary and secondary circuits are quickly brok n preparatory to the next succeeding operation. I is a contact-point which is made adjustable and which is connected to the rod H or to the yoke of the solenoid. J and J are contactpoints which are respectively connected to the circuit about to be described. Leading from the circuit ct is the circuit 70, which passes through the coils K of the circuitbreaker and out through the contact-point Z and thence through the circuit The circuit 7r, leads directly to the contact-point J. From the contact-point J the circuit 70 leads directly to the battery A. Assuming that the circuit-closer B is closed and the circuit a is closed, the relaymagnet is energized, and the actuating-circuit d is closed through the so-. lenoid, the primary current will continue to energize the relay-magnet flowing from a to ct' and passing through the arm Q of the circuit-breaker, while the actuating-current will pass through the switch-arms f and 1' upon the relay. The stroke of the bell is produced by the solenoid-cores carrying the rod H, which brings the contact-point I into contact with the contact-points J and J. Instantly the circuit from a is closed through the magnet-coils K of the circuit-breaker and thence back through is to the primary battery A, and the armature E of the circuit-breaker is drawn downward, breaking the circuit a to a at the contact-point m. The circuit a to a being thus broken, the coils of the relaymagnet are denergized, and through the instrumentality of a spring, as hereinafter more fully described, the actuating-current from d to d is instantly broken by the releasing of the armature of the relay-magnet and the cutting out of the circuit through the switcharmsfand i. Thereupon the solenoid is deenergized and the cores are carried upward by gravity or counterbalance or such mechanism as may be required. The chief function of the relay is after completing the circult to break this current independently of the operator or operating mechanism at the proper moment.

It now remains to describe in greater detail the particular mechanism by which the successt'ul performance of these functions is attained. Referring first to my relay, it will at once be apparent-that in order to make and break a current of sufficient power to ring a very large and heavy bell an air-gap of considerable extent is necessary, and consequently the armatures of the relay-magnet must travel over a considerable distance. Therefore in order to energize the magnets of the relay it but a single coil be used current of large power must be used in the primary, which would interfere with the delicacy of the operation of the contact-maker, or else IIO the construction of the coil must be so large as to cause considerable lag in the operation of the relay-magnet inorder to develop sufficient magnetic energy. In order to avoid difficulties, I provide the construction which is shown in Figs. 2 to '7, inclusive. 0 is a. coil through which the circuit (1, passes. The poleof this magnet is presented toward an armature O, which is pivoted to the base of the relay at n, and in moving toward its coilcarries with it the arm Ninto the field of action of the magnet D, the arm being free to move still farther in the same direction when operated by the magnet D.

Referring particularly to Figs. 5 and 6, it will be seen that the armature O is pivoted to the pivot a, carrying the arm N. When the coil 0 is energized, the armature C is ward to a position indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 2. Thus the gap between the core of the coil D and its armature D is reduced, and by means of the circuita passing thro ugh and energizing the magnet D the armatureD is drawn downward andinto contact with the core D. This brings the switcharms 2' and f into contact with the points connected with the actuating circuit, thus closing the actuating-circuit. In order to return the armatures D and C and to break the contact of the actuating-circuit through the switch-arms, I provide a spring 0, which throws the arm N upward when the coils O and D are denergized. For the purpose of regulating and limiting the extent of thegap between the magnets D and O and their respective armatures I provide an adjustable in the art that-the arm N should be conscrew P, which bears upon the upper portion of the arm N and acts against the spring 0. It will at once be understood by one skilled structed of a non-magnetic metal. It will thus beseen that by the use of two sets of magnets and the mechanism above described I am able to move the switch-arms with a minimum primary current sufficiently to overcome the arc of the actuating-circuit.

Referring now to the circuit-breaker, I will more particularly describe the construction and operation of the same. Referring particularly to Fig. 7, it will be seen that the armature E is secured to a swinging springarm Q, which will swing the armatureE out of contact when the magnets are de'energized. The swinging arm Q is extended so as to swing between the two contact-points m and Z. These contact-points are made adj ustable through adjusting-screws to regulate the length of the air-gap and to regulate the sensitiveness and rapidity of the opera- 'tion of the armature.

Referring now to my multiple solenoid, I will describe the same and its method of operation; but the novel construction of the same is properly the subjectmatter of a separate application for a patent, inasmuch as the same has a wide range of use. The coils R of the solenoid F are mounted upon a common base G of iron. To facilitate the rapid operation of the cores within the coils, openings q are" provided to permit of the rapid inlet and outlet of the air. The cores of the several coilsare united and secured to a yoke S, which at its center is directly connectedto the rod H, which .is connected to the bell-striking mechanism. By this construction of a multiple-coil solenoid I am able to secure a complete magnetic ring of magnetic material and its consequent advanconstruction will be evident when it is conrod H and the connection with the striking mechanism of the bell a turnbuckle T. By the adjustment of this turnbuckle the force of the stroke upon the bell may be regulated.

Special reference should be made at this point to the adjustable contact-points at- I, J, and J In order that the breaking of the primary circuit may be made at the proper moment with reference to the stroke of the bell,

it is necessary that the contact I, which closes the circuit through J and J, should be easily adjustable. In the drawings herewith I have shown what I have found to be a simple and effective device, which is clearly shown in Fig. 1.

Having thus described my invention and its method of operation and without limiting myself to the particular construction herein shown and described, whatI claim as new is- 1. In an electromagnetic bell-ringing mechanism,'a circuit carrying an actuating-current, and a solenoid, in combination with a primary circuit, and a circuit-breaking circuit closed by the action of said solenoid and energized by the battery energizing the primary circuit, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

2. In an electromagnetic bell-ringin g mechanism, the combination of a relay, a low-potential primary circuit for actuating said relay, a contact mechanism for closing said primary circuit, an actuating-circuit of high potential, a solenoid energized thereby, and a circuit-breaking circuit closed by the action of said solenoid and energized by the battery energizing said primary circuit, to break said primary circuit, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

3. In an electromagnetic bell-ringin g mechanism, a relay, consisting of two sets of coils and two armatures, an arm actuated by said armatures, and contacts for opening and closing the actuating-circuit, both of said sets of coils energized by the primary current, and one set actuating the armature and partially closing the air-gap between the cores and the armature of the second magnet, and the second magnet and its armature completing the swing of the arm to close the actuating-circuit, and means for returning the arm and releasing the armatures from contact with the cores when the coils are denergized, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

tially close the switch and the second operatin g to complete the closing of the switch, with an actuating-circuit and a solenoid for producing the stroke upon the bell, substantially as and for the purposes set forth. I

5. In an electromagnetic bell-ringing mechanism, the combination of a primary circuit, a contact for opening and closing the same, a relay, a secondary or actuating circuit, and a solenoid, and a circuit-breaker, a circuit opened and closed by the action of the solenoid to break and close the primary circuit, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

6. In an electromagnetic bell-ringing mechanism, in combination with a circuit-closer, relay and solenoid, of a circuit-breaker, consisting of a magnet, armature and arm actuated by the armature, a primary circuit through the arm controlled by the circuitcloser, and a second circuit including the said magnetclosed bythe action of thesolenoidand energized by the battery supplying current to the primary circuit, the said magnet, when energized, breaking the primary circuit including the relay by attracting its armature thus actuating the said arm.

7. In an electromagnetic bell-ringing mechanism, the combination of a primary circuit and a circuit-closer for opening and closing the same with a multiple-magnet relay for opening and closing the actuating-circuit, and a multiple solenoid energized by the actuating-current for actuating the bell mechanism, and a circuit-breaker actuated by said solenoid for breaking said primary circuit through the relay, and thus breaking the actuatingcircuit, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

8. In an electromagnetic bell-ringing mechanism, the combination of a primary circuit, a multiple-magnet relay in combination with an actuating-circuit, and means for closing the same upon said relay, a solenoid actuated by the actuating current, and a circuitbreaker, and a circuit-breaker circuit, closed by the action of the said solenoid, and a swinging contact upon said circuit breaker for breaking the primary circuit through the relay while the contact upon the .primary circuit is closed, and denergizing the relay-magnet when the primary current is closed through the said circuit-breaker circuit, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 30th day of October, 1899.

JOHN J. SHEAHAN.

Witnesses:

GEORGE A. LEWIs, C. M. MORSE. 

